A Section 232 investigation by the secretary of commerce found that robotics imports pose a threat to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Source: Office of the White House

Yesterday, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation stating that the secretary of commerce had submitted a Section 232 report about the national security effects of imports of robotics and industrial machinery, as well as related parts and components.

“Based on the facts considered in that investigation, and taking into account the close relation of the economic welfare of the Nation to our national security and other relevant factors, see section 232(d) (19 U.S.C. 1862(d)), the Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that robotics, industrial machinery, and their components are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States,” stated the president.

“Robotics and industrial machinery are critical to virtually all modern manufacturing processes, including for defense, commercial, and dual-use purposes,” he noted. “Furthermore, robotics and industrial machinery generate substantial economic value and support important economic activities, including approximately $7.1 trillion in shipments of manufactured goods in 2024 and the production of approximately $86 billion worth of equipment in 2024.”

S. S. competitiveness. The value of such imported systems has grown over the past decade, and cybersecurity risks have also grown, according to the secretary of commerce.

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